US12025244B2 - Inner ring and pipe joint - Google Patents

Inner ring and pipe joint Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US12025244B2
US12025244B2 US17/916,306 US202117916306A US12025244B2 US 12025244 B2 US12025244 B2 US 12025244B2 US 202117916306 A US202117916306 A US 202117916306A US 12025244 B2 US12025244 B2 US 12025244B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
circumferential surface
press
starting point
inner ring
end portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US17/916,306
Other versions
US20230151911A1 (en
Inventor
Ayumi Kurosaki
Shingo Higuchi
Kazukiyo Teshima
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd filed Critical Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd
Assigned to NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD. reassignment NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KUROSAKI, Ayumi, TESHIMA, KAZUKIYO, HIGUCHI, SHINGO
Publication of US20230151911A1 publication Critical patent/US20230151911A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US12025244B2 publication Critical patent/US12025244B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L19/00—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
    • F16L19/02—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member
    • F16L19/025—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member the pipe ends having integral collars or flanges
    • F16L19/028—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member the pipe ends having integral collars or flanges the collars or flanges being obtained by deformation of the pipe wall
    • F16L19/0283—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member the pipe ends having integral collars or flanges the collars or flanges being obtained by deformation of the pipe wall and having a bell-mouthed shape
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L19/00—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
    • F16L19/04—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts using additional rigid rings, sealing directly on at least one pipe end, which is flared either before or during the making of the connection
    • F16L19/05—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts using additional rigid rings, sealing directly on at least one pipe end, which is flared either before or during the making of the connection with a rigid pressure ring between the screwed member and the exterior of the flared pipe end
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00—Sealings
    • F16J15/02—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/06—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
    • F16J15/10—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with non-metallic packing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F16L33/22—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/04—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics with a swivel nut or collar engaging the pipe
    • F16L47/041—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics with a swivel nut or collar engaging the pipe the plastic pipe end being flared either before or during the making of the connection

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inner ring and a pipe joint.
  • a pipe joint made of a synthetic resin is used as a connection structure that connects flow passages formed in tubes or fluid devices.
  • a pipe joint that includes an inner ring mounted on the inner circumferential side of an end portion of a tube, a cylindrical joint body mounted on the outer circumferential side of the end portion of the tube, and a union nut mounted on the outer circumferential side of the joint body, is known (see, for example, PATENT LITERATURE 1).
  • an inner ring 110 in a conventional pipe joint 100 has a cylindrical body portion 111 , a bulge portion 112 formed at one axial end portion of the body portion 111 , and a press-fitting portion 113 formed at another axial end portion of the body portion 111 .
  • a fluid flow passage 114 is formed inside the inner ring 110 .
  • the bulge portion 112 is formed so as to project to the radially outer side with respect to the body portion 111 , and is press-fitted into an end portion of a tube 120 .
  • the press-fitting portion 113 is formed so as to project in the axial direction from the body portion 111 , and the press-fitting portion 113 is press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body 140 when a union nut 130 is tightened.
  • both end portions in the axial direction of the inner ring 110 are pressed toward the radially inner side, whereby both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 are deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side.
  • both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 protrude into the fluid flow passage 114 , the replacement characteristics of a fluid flowing in the pipe joint 100 are reduced, causing adverse effects such as taking time for flushing the inside of the pipe joint 100 .
  • tapered surfaces 115 and 116 are respectively formed at both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 such that the diameters thereof gradually increase from the axially inner side toward the axially outer ends thereof. Accordingly, even when both end portions in the axial direction of the inner ring 110 are pressed toward the radially inner side, both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 are inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 114 .
  • the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 110 is excessively small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the bulge portion 112 of the inner ring 110 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 120 , the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 easily falls down toward the radially inner side and thus cannot be inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 114 . In addition, although not shown, at the other axial end portion of the inner ring 110 as well, the same problem arises when the length in the axial direction of the tapered surface 116 is long.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to allow an end portion in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of an inner ring to be effectively inhibited from protruding into a fluid flow passage.
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located on the other axial side with respect to the position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to the one axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the body portion. That is, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located at a portion, of the inner ring, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the tapered surface is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be reduced.
  • the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
  • the deformation starting point is located at a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to one axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion, and the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
  • an inner ring of the present invention is an inner ring including: a bulge portion formed at one axial end portion such that an outer circumferential surface thereof projects toward a radially outer side, and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a tube; a press-fitting portion formed at another axial end portion and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body; and a cylindrical body portion formed between the bulge portion and the press-fitting portion and having a constant outer diameter over an entirety in an axial direction, the outer diameter being smaller than an outer diameter of the press-fitting portion, wherein a fluid flow passage is formed inside an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring, the inner ring includes a tapered surface formed at another axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from one axial side toward another axial end thereof in a state before the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body, and a diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface formed at the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring is not located on the other axial side with respect to the deformation starting point which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the press-fitting portion receiving the external force from the joint body. Accordingly, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, so that a deformation margin of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be ensured.
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located on the one axial side with respect to the position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the body portion. That is, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located at a portion, of the inner ring, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the tapered surface is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be reduced.
  • the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
  • the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
  • a pipe joint of the present invention includes: a joint body having an external thread portion formed on an outer circumference thereof; a union nut having an internal thread portion formed on an inner circumference thereof and to be tightened to the external thread portion; and the inner ring according to any one of the above (1) to (5).
  • the end portion in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
  • FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing an inner ring of the pipe joint.
  • FIG. 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing a first tapered surface at an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing a second tapered surface at the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring.
  • FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a conventional pipe joint.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the case where the tapered surface formed at the inner circumferential surface of the conventional inner ring is long in the axial direction.
  • FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the tapered surface of the inner ring in FIG. 9 is deformed.
  • the primary sealing portion 6 b is formed so as to project from the radially inner side of another axial end of the press-fitting body 6 a toward the other axial side.
  • An outer circumferential surface 6 b 1 of the primary sealing portion 6 b is formed such that the diameter thereof gradually decreases from one axial end thereof to the other axial end thereof.
  • the primary sealing portion 6 b is press-fitted into a primary sealing groove 2 d (described later) of the joint body 2 .
  • the primary sealing portion 6 b and the secondary sealing portion 6 c of the inner ring 4 are press-fitted into the primary sealing groove 2 d and the secondary sealing groove 2 e of the joint body 2 , respectively, so that sealing performance at the connection portion between the inner ring 4 and the joint body 2 can be ensured.
  • the pressing portion 3 a of the union nut 3 can prevent the tube 8 from being removed.
  • the first tapered surface 11 is formed at the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a such that the diameter thereof gradually increases from the other axial side toward one axial end thereof.
  • the first tapered surface 11 of the present embodiment is formed, for example, in a curved surface shape.
  • the first tapered surface 11 may be formed in a flat surface shape.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing the first tapered surface 11 at the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 .
  • a diameter increase starting point P 11 of the first tapered surface 11 is preferably located in a range R 11 from a deformation starting point P 12 of the inner circumferential surface 4 a to a position P 13 , on the inner circumferential surface 4 a , corresponding to one axial end of the outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7 .
  • the “in a range R 11 from a deformation starting point P 12 . . . to a position P 13 ” means to also include the position on the deformation starting point P 12 and the position on the position P 13 .
  • the diameter increase starting point P 11 of the first tapered surface 11 is further preferably located in a range R 12 , in the inner circumferential surface 4 a , corresponding to the range of a length L of the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b in the outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5 .
  • the diameter increase starting point P 11 of the first tapered surface 11 is located at a portion, of the bulge portion 5 , at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is the largest, even though the first tapered surface 11 is formed, the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can be reduced. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
  • the diameter increase starting point P 11 of the first tapered surface 11 in the present embodiment is located on the deformation starting point P 12 in the range R 12 .
  • the diameter increase starting point P 11 of the first tapered surface 11 can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
  • the entire first tapered surface 11 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, whereby the first tapered surface 11 in the present embodiment extends straight in the axial direction along the inner circumferential surface 4 a . Therefore, when the bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8 , even if an axial part of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, the axial part of the inner circumferential surface 4 a does not protrude into the fluid flow passage 4 b.
  • the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b in the outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5 of the above embodiment is formed over the predetermined length L in the axial direction, but may be formed only at a point in the axial direction.
  • the press-fitting portion 6 of the above embodiment includes the press-fitting body 6 a , the primary sealing portion 6 b , and the secondary sealing portion 6 c , but it is sufficient that the press-fitting portion 6 includes at least the primary sealing portion 6 b .
  • the pipe joint 1 and the inner ring 4 of the present invention can also be applied to the liquid crystal/organic EL field, the medical/pharmaceutical field, automotive-related fields, etc., in addition to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.
  • only either the first tapered surface 11 on the bulge portion 5 side or the second tapered surface 12 on the press-fitting portion 6 side may be applied to the inner ring 4 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Joints That Cut Off Fluids, And Hose Joints (AREA)
  • Joints With Pressure Members (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)

Abstract

An inner ring of a pipe joint includes a first tapered surface formed at one axial end portion of an inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from another axial side toward one axial end thereof in a state before a bulge portion is press-fitted into an end portion of a tube. A diameter increase starting point of the first tapered surface is located in a range from a deformation starting point, which serves as a starting point from which an inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the bulge portion 5 receiving external force from the tube 8 when the bulge portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube, to a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to one axial end of an outer circumferential surface of a body portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an inner ring and a pipe joint.
BACKGROUND ART
In manufacturing processes in various technical fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical/pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food processing/chemical industries, in a pipe path through which fluids such as chemical solutions, high-purity liquids, ultrapure water, or cleaning solutions flow, for example, a pipe joint made of a synthetic resin is used as a connection structure that connects flow passages formed in tubes or fluid devices. As such a pipe joint, a pipe joint that includes an inner ring mounted on the inner circumferential side of an end portion of a tube, a cylindrical joint body mounted on the outer circumferential side of the end portion of the tube, and a union nut mounted on the outer circumferential side of the joint body, is known (see, for example, PATENT LITERATURE 1).
As shown in FIG. 5 , an inner ring 110 in a conventional pipe joint 100 has a cylindrical body portion 111, a bulge portion 112 formed at one axial end portion of the body portion 111, and a press-fitting portion 113 formed at another axial end portion of the body portion 111. A fluid flow passage 114 is formed inside the inner ring 110. The bulge portion 112 is formed so as to project to the radially outer side with respect to the body portion 111, and is press-fitted into an end portion of a tube 120. The press-fitting portion 113 is formed so as to project in the axial direction from the body portion 111, and the press-fitting portion 113 is press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body 140 when a union nut 130 is tightened.
When the bulge portion 112 and the press-fitting portion 113 of the inner ring 110 are press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 120 and the end portion of the joint body 140, respectively, both end portions in the axial direction of the inner ring 110 are pressed toward the radially inner side, whereby both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 are deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side. At this time, when both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 protrude into the fluid flow passage 114, the replacement characteristics of a fluid flowing in the pipe joint 100 are reduced, causing adverse effects such as taking time for flushing the inside of the pipe joint 100.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , tapered surfaces 115 and 116 are respectively formed at both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 such that the diameters thereof gradually increase from the axially inner side toward the axially outer ends thereof. Accordingly, even when both end portions in the axial direction of the inner ring 110 are pressed toward the radially inner side, both end portions in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 are inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 114.
CITATION LIST Patent Literature
  • PATENT LITERATURE 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2018-168947
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem
As shown in FIG. 7 , at the one axial end portion of the inner ring 110, when a length L′ in the axial direction of the tapered surface 115 is short, the deformation margin of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 to the radially inner side is insufficient. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the bulge portion 112 of the inner ring 110 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 120, the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 cannot be inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 114 side. In addition, although not shown, at the other axial end portion of the inner ring 110 as well, the same problem arises when the length in the axial direction of the tapered surface 116 is short.
As shown in FIG. 9 , at the one axial end portion of the inner ring 110, when the length L′ in the axial direction of the tapered surface 115 is long, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 110 is excessively small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the bulge portion 112 of the inner ring 110 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 120, the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 110 easily falls down toward the radially inner side and thus cannot be inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 114. In addition, although not shown, at the other axial end portion of the inner ring 110 as well, the same problem arises when the length in the axial direction of the tapered surface 116 is long.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to allow an end portion in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of an inner ring to be effectively inhibited from protruding into a fluid flow passage.
Solution to Problem
(1) An inner ring of the present invention is an inner ring including: a bulge portion formed at one axial end portion such that an outer circumferential surface thereof projects toward a radially outer side, and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a tube; a press-fitting portion formed at another axial end portion and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body; and a cylindrical body portion formed between the bulge portion and the press-fitting portion and having a constant outer diameter over an entirety in an axial direction, the outer diameter being smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the bulge portion, wherein a fluid flow passage is formed inside an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring, the inner ring includes a tapered surface formed at one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from another axial side toward one axial end thereof in a state before the bulge portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube, and a diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range from a deformation starting point, which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the bulge portion receiving external force from the tube when the bulge portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube, to a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to one axial end of an outer circumferential surface of the body portion.
In the inner ring of the present invention, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface formed at the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring is not located on the one axial side with respect to the deformation starting point which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the bulge portion receiving the external force from the tube. Accordingly, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, so that a deformation margin of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be ensured.
Moreover, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located on the other axial side with respect to the position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to the one axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the body portion. That is, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located at a portion, of the inner ring, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the tapered surface is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be reduced.
Owing to the above, the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
(2) Preferably, a maximum outer diameter portion having a maximum outer diameter is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the bulge portion over a predetermined length in the axial direction, and the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range, in the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to a range of the predetermined length of the maximum outer diameter portion.
In this case, since the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located at a portion, of the bulge portion, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is the largest, even though the tapered surface is formed, the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring can be reduced. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
(3) Preferably, the deformation starting point is located at a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to one axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion, and the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
In this case, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
(4) According to another aspect, an inner ring of the present invention is an inner ring including: a bulge portion formed at one axial end portion such that an outer circumferential surface thereof projects toward a radially outer side, and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a tube; a press-fitting portion formed at another axial end portion and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body; and a cylindrical body portion formed between the bulge portion and the press-fitting portion and having a constant outer diameter over an entirety in an axial direction, the outer diameter being smaller than an outer diameter of the press-fitting portion, wherein a fluid flow passage is formed inside an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring, the inner ring includes a tapered surface formed at another axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from one axial side toward another axial end thereof in a state before the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body, and a diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range from a deformation starting point, which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the press-fitting portion receiving external force from the joint body when the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body, to a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to another axial end of an outer circumferential surface of the body portion.
In the inner ring of the present invention, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface formed at the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring is not located on the other axial side with respect to the deformation starting point which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the press-fitting portion receiving the external force from the joint body. Accordingly, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, so that a deformation margin of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be ensured.
Moreover, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located on the one axial side with respect to the position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the body portion. That is, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is not located at a portion, of the inner ring, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the tapered surface is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be reduced.
Owing to the above, the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
(5) Preferably, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
In this case, the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
(6) According to another aspect, a pipe joint of the present invention includes: a joint body having an external thread portion formed on an outer circumference thereof; a union nut having an internal thread portion formed on an inner circumference thereof and to be tightened to the external thread portion; and the inner ring according to any one of the above (1) to (5).
With the pipe joint of the present invention, the same advantageous effects as those of the inner ring are achieved.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
According to the present invention, the end portion in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing an inner ring of the pipe joint.
FIG. 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing a first tapered surface at an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing a second tapered surface at the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring.
FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a conventional pipe joint.
FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a conventional inner ring.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the case where a tapered surface formed at the inner circumferential surface of the conventional inner ring is short in the axial direction.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the tapered surface of the inner ring in FIG. 7 is deformed.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the case where the tapered surface formed at the inner circumferential surface of the conventional inner ring is long in the axial direction.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the tapered surface of the inner ring in FIG. 9 is deformed.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Entire Configuration of Pipe Joint
FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , a pipe joint 1 is used, for example, in a pipe path through which a chemical solution (fluid) used in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus flows. The pipe joint 1 includes a joint body 2, a union nut 3, and an inner ring 4. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, for convenience, the left side of FIG. 1 is referred to as one axial side, and the right side of FIG. 1 is referred to as another axial side (the same applies to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 ).
The inner ring 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, from a synthetic resin material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or a fluorine resin (perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or the like).
A fluid flow passage 4 b is formed inside an inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4. The fluid flow passage 4 b provides communication between a flow passage 8 a formed inside a tube 8 and a flow passage 2 c formed inside the joint body 2. The inner ring 4 includes a bulge portion 5 formed at one axial end portion thereof, a press-fitting portion 6 formed at another axial end portion thereof, and a cylindrical body portion 7 formed between the bulge portion 5 and the press-fitting portion 6.
The bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into an end portion of the tube 8, which is made of a synthetic resin material (PFA or the like), to increase the diameter of the end portion of the tube 8. The bulge portion 5 has an outer circumferential surface 5 a which is formed in a mountain shape so as to project toward the radially outer side. The outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5 has a maximum outer diameter portion 5 b having a maximum outer diameter, a first reduced-diameter portion 5 c, and a second reduced-diameter portion 5 d.
The maximum outer diameter portion 5 b is formed over a predetermined length L in the axial direction (see FIG. 2 ). The first reduced-diameter portion 5 c is formed such that the diameter thereof gradually decreases from one axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b toward the one axial side. The second reduced-diameter portion 5 d is formed such that the diameter thereof gradually decreases from the other axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b toward the other axial side. Another axial end of the second reduced-diameter portion 5 d is connected to an outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7.
The press-fitting portion 6 is press-fitted into an end portion (one axial end portion) of the joint body 2. The press-fitting portion 6 includes a cylindrical press-fitting body 6 a, an annular primary sealing portion 6 b, and a cylindrical secondary sealing portion 6 c.
The press-fitting body 6 a is press-fitted into a receiving portion 2 a (described later) of the joint body 2.
The primary sealing portion 6 b is formed so as to project from the radially inner side of another axial end of the press-fitting body 6 a toward the other axial side. An outer circumferential surface 6 b 1 of the primary sealing portion 6 b is formed such that the diameter thereof gradually decreases from one axial end thereof to the other axial end thereof. The primary sealing portion 6 b is press-fitted into a primary sealing groove 2 d (described later) of the joint body 2.
The secondary sealing portion 6 c is formed so as to project from the radially outer side of the other axial end of the press-fitting body 6 a toward the other axial side. The secondary sealing portion 6 c is press-fitted into a secondary sealing groove 2 e (described later) of the joint body 2. An annular groove 6 d is formed between the primary sealing portion 6 b and the secondary sealing portion 6 c so as to have an arc cross-sectional shape. The outer diameter of the secondary sealing portion 6 c is equal to the outer diameter of the press-fitting body 6 a. Accordingly, the press-fitting portion 6 (the press-fitting body 6 a and the secondary sealing portion 6 c) has a constant outer diameter D3 (see FIG. 2 ) over the entirety in the axial direction.
The body portion 7 of the inner ring 4 has a constant outer diameter D1 over the entirety in the axial direction, and the outer diameter D1 is smaller than a maximum outer diameter D2 of the bulge portion 5 and smaller than the outer diameter D3 of the press-fitting portion 6 (see FIG. 2 ). The outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7 is connected to an outer circumferential surface 6 f of the press-fitting portion 6 via a step surface 6 e formed at one axial end of the press-fitting portion 6.
The joint body 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, from a synthetic resin material such as PVC, PP, PE, or a fluorine resin (PFA, PTFE, or the like). The inner diameter of the joint body 2 is set to substantially the same dimension as the inner diameter of the inner ring 4 such that the movement of the chemical solution is not hindered. The cylindrical receiving portion 2 a is formed at one axial end portion of the joint body 2. The press-fitting portion 6 of the inner ring 4 in which the bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8 is press-fitted to the inner circumference of the receiving portion 2 a. Accordingly, the one axial end portion of the joint body 2 is mounted on the outer circumference of the end portion of the tube 8. An external thread portion 2 b is formed on the outer circumference of the receiving portion 2 a.
The joint body 2 has the annular primary sealing groove 2 d and the cylindrical secondary sealing groove 2 e which are formed on the other axial side with respect to the receiving portion 2 a. The primary sealing groove 2 d is formed on the radially inner side of the joint body 2 in a tapered shape that is cut such that the diameter thereof gradually decreases from one axial end thereof toward the other axial end thereof. The secondary sealing groove 2 e is formed on the radially outer side with respect to the primary sealing groove 2 d in the joint body 2.
The union nut 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, from a synthetic resin material such as PVC, PP, PE, or a fluorine resin (PFA, PTFE, or the like). The union nut 3 has a pressing portion 3 a formed at the one axial end portion thereof so as to project toward the radially inner side, and an internal thread portion 3 b formed on the inner circumference of the other axial end portion thereof. The internal thread portion 3 b is tightened to the external thread portion 2 b of the joint body 2. By the tightening, the union nut 3 is attached to the joint body 2, and another axial end portion of the pressing portion 3 a also presses the outer circumferential surface of the tube 8 which bulges on the radially outer side by the bulge portion 5 of the inner ring 4.
With the above configuration, when the internal thread portion 3 b of the union nut 3 is tightened to the external thread portion 2 b of the joint body 2, the primary sealing portion 6 b and the secondary sealing portion 6 c of the inner ring 4 are press-fitted into the primary sealing groove 2 d and the secondary sealing groove 2 e of the joint body 2, respectively, so that sealing performance at the connection portion between the inner ring 4 and the joint body 2 can be ensured. In addition, the pressing portion 3 a of the union nut 3 can prevent the tube 8 from being removed.
Inner Circumferential Surface of Inner Ring
FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the inner ring 4, and shows a state before the bulge portion 5 and the press-fitting portion 6 are press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8 and the end portion of the joint body 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner ring 4 includes a first tapered surface 11 formed at one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a, and a second tapered surface 12 formed at another axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a.
The first tapered surface 11 is formed at the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a such that the diameter thereof gradually increases from the other axial side toward one axial end thereof. The first tapered surface 11 of the present embodiment is formed, for example, in a curved surface shape. The first tapered surface 11 may be formed in a flat surface shape.
The second tapered surface 12 is formed at the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a such that the diameter thereof gradually increases from the one axial side thereof toward another axial end thereof. The second tapered surface 12 of the present embodiment is formed, for example, in a flat surface shape. The second tapered surface 12 may be formed in a curved surface shape.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing the first tapered surface 11 at the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4. In FIG. 3 , a diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is preferably located in a range R11 from a deformation starting point P12 of the inner circumferential surface 4 a to a position P13, on the inner circumferential surface 4 a, corresponding to one axial end of the outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7. Here, the “in a range R11 from a deformation starting point P12 . . . to a position P13” means to also include the position on the deformation starting point P12 and the position on the position P13.
The deformation starting point P12 is a position serving as a starting point from which the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side due to the bulge portion 5 receiving external force from the tube 8 and the union nut 3 when the bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8 and when the union nut 3 (internal thread portion 3 b) is tightened to the joint body 2 (external thread portion 2 b). Therefore, at the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4, a portion on the one axial side with respect to the deformation starting point P12 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side. The deformation starting point P12 in the present embodiment is a position, on the inner circumferential surface 4 a, corresponding to the one axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b in the outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5.
When the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is located in the range R11, the following advantageous effects are achieved.
The diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is not located on the one axial side with respect to the deformation starting point P12. Accordingly, the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force from the tube 8 and the union nut 3, so that a deformation margin of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be ensured.
Moreover, the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is not located on the other axial side with respect to the position P13. That is, the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is not located at a portion, of the inner ring 4, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the first tapered surface 11 is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be reduced.
Therefore, when the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is located in the range R11, the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 4 b.
The diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is further preferably located in a range R12, in the inner circumferential surface 4 a, corresponding to the range of a length L of the maximum outer diameter portion 5 b in the outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5. In this case, since the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 is located at a portion, of the bulge portion 5, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is the largest, even though the first tapered surface 11 is formed, the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can be reduced. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
The diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 in the present embodiment is located on the deformation starting point P12 in the range R12. In this case, the diameter increase starting point P11 of the first tapered surface 11 can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the one axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
As shown in FIG. 1 , when the bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8 or when external force is generated by tightening the union nut 3, the entire first tapered surface 11 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, whereby the first tapered surface 11 in the present embodiment extends straight in the axial direction along the inner circumferential surface 4 a. Therefore, when the bulge portion 5 is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube 8, even if an axial part of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, the axial part of the inner circumferential surface 4 a does not protrude into the fluid flow passage 4 b.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2 showing the second tapered surface 12 at the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4. In FIG. 4 , a diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is preferably located in a range R21 from a deformation starting point P22 of the inner circumferential surface 4 a to a position P23, on the inner circumferential surface 4 a, corresponding to the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7. Here, the “in a range R21 from a deformation starting point P22 . . . to a position P23” means to also include the position on the deformation starting point P22 and the position on the position P23.
The deformation starting point P22 is a position serving as a starting point from which the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side due to the primary sealing portion 6 b of the press-fitting portion 6 receiving external force from the joint body 2 when the press-fitting portion 6 is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body 2, in particular, when the primary sealing portion 6 b is press-fitted into the primary sealing groove 2 d. Therefore, at the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4, a portion on the other axial side with respect to the deformation starting point P22 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side.
When the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is located in the range R21, the following advantageous effects are achieved.
The diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is not located on the other axial side with respect to the deformation starting point P22. Accordingly, the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force from the joint body 2, so that a deformation margin of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be ensured.
Moreover, the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is not located on the one axial side with respect to the position P23, on the inner circumferential surface 4 a, corresponding to the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface 7 a of the body portion 7. That is, the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is not located at a portion, of the inner ring 4, at which the thickness in the radial direction thereof is small. Accordingly, even though the second tapered surface 12 is formed, the thickness (cross-sectional area) in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can be inhibited from being excessively small, so that the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be reduced.
Therefore, when the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 is located in the range R21, the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 can be effectively inhibited from protruding into the fluid flow passage 4 b.
In the present embodiment, the deformation starting point P22 is located at the point of intersection of the inner circumferential surface 4 a and a virtual tangent line K which is tangent to the annular groove 6 d and extends in the radial direction. The diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 in the present embodiment is located on the deformation starting point P22 in the range R21. In this case, the diameter increase starting point P21 of the second tapered surface 12 can be inhibited from being deformed toward the radially inner side due to the external force, and the degree of decrease in the thickness in the radial direction of the other axial end portion of the inner ring 4 can also be reduced as much as possible. Accordingly, the degree of deformation of the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 to the radially inner side can be further reduced.
As shown in FIG. 1 , when the press-fitting portion 6 is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body 2, the entire second tapered surface 12 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, whereby the second tapered surface 12 in the present embodiment extends straight in the axial direction along the inner circumferential surface 4 a. Therefore, when the press-fitting portion 6 is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body 2, even if the other axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface 4 a of the inner ring 4 is deformed so as to fall down toward the radially inner side, the other axial end portion does not protrude into the fluid flow passage 4 b.
Others
The maximum outer diameter portion 5 b in the outer circumferential surface 5 a of the bulge portion 5 of the above embodiment is formed over the predetermined length L in the axial direction, but may be formed only at a point in the axial direction. In addition, the press-fitting portion 6 of the above embodiment includes the press-fitting body 6 a, the primary sealing portion 6 b, and the secondary sealing portion 6 c, but it is sufficient that the press-fitting portion 6 includes at least the primary sealing portion 6 b. In addition, the pipe joint 1 and the inner ring 4 of the present invention can also be applied to the liquid crystal/organic EL field, the medical/pharmaceutical field, automotive-related fields, etc., in addition to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. Moreover, only either the first tapered surface 11 on the bulge portion 5 side or the second tapered surface 12 on the press-fitting portion 6 side may be applied to the inner ring 4.
The embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be recognized as being restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than the meaning described above, and is intended to include meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
    • 1 pipe joint
    • 2 joint body
    • 2 d primary sealing groove
    • 2 e secondary sealing groove
    • 3 union nut
    • 4 inner ring
    • 4 a inner circumferential surface
    • 4 b fluid flow passage
    • 5 bulge portion
    • 5 a outer circumferential surface
    • 5 b maximum outer diameter portion
    • 6 press-fitting portion
    • 7 body portion
    • 7 a outer circumferential surface
    • 8 tube
    • 11 first tapered surface (tapered surface)
    • 12 second tapered surface (tapered surface)
    • P11, P21 diameter increase starting point
    • P12, P22 deformation starting point
    • P13, P23 position on inner circumferential surface

Claims (7)

The invention claimed is:
1. An inner ring comprising:
a bulge portion formed at one axial end portion such that an outer circumferential surface thereof projects toward a radially outer side, and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a tube;
a press-fitting portion formed at another axial end portion and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body; and
a cylindrical body portion formed between the bulge portion and the press-fitting portion and having a constant outer diameter over an entirety in an axial direction, the outer diameter being smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the bulge portion, wherein
a fluid flow passage is formed inside an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring,
the inner ring includes a tapered surface formed at the one axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from the another axial side toward the one axial end thereof in a state before the bulge portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube,
a maximum outer diameter portion having a constant maximum outer diameter is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the bulge portion over a predetermined length in the axial direction,
a deformation starting point, which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the bulge portion receiving external force from the tube when the bulge portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the tube, is located at a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to one axial end of the maximum outer diameter portion, and
a diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range from the deformation starting point to a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to the one axial end of an outer circumferential surface of the body portion.
2. The inner ring according to claim 1, wherein
the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range, in the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to a range of the predetermined length of the maximum outer diameter portion.
3. The inner ring according to claim 2, wherein
the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
4. An inner ring comprising:
a bulge portion formed at one axial end portion such that an outer circumferential surface thereof projects toward a radially outer side, and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a tube;
a press-fitting portion formed at another axial end portion and to be press-fitted into an end portion of a joint body; and
a cylindrical body portion formed between the bulge portion and the press-fitting portion and having a constant outer diameter over an entirety in an axial direction, the outer diameter being smaller than an outer diameter of the press-fitting portion, wherein
a fluid flow passage is formed inside an inner circumferential surface of the inner ring,
the inner ring includes a tapered surface formed at the another axial end portion of the inner circumferential surface such that a diameter thereof gradually increases from the one axial side toward the another axial end thereof in a state before the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body,
the press-fitting portion includes a primary sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion located radially outward of the primary sealing portion,
an annular groove having an arc cross-sectional shape is formed between the primary sealing portion and the secondary sealing portion,
a deformation starting point, which serves as a starting point from which the inner circumferential surface is deformed due to the press-fitting portion receiving external force from the joint body when the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the end portion of the joint body, is located at a point of intersection of the inner circumferential surface and a virtual tangent line K which is tangent to the annular groove and extends in a radial direction of the inner circumferential surface, and
a diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located in a range from the deformation starting point to a position, on the inner circumferential surface, corresponding to another axial end of an outer circumferential surface of the body portion.
5. The inner ring according to claim 4, wherein the diameter increase starting point of the tapered surface is located on the deformation starting point.
6. A pipe joint comprising:
a joint body having an external thread portion formed on an outer circumference thereof;
a union nut having an internal thread portion formed on an inner circumference thereof and to be tightened to the external thread portion; and
the inner ring according to claim 1.
7. A pipe joint comprising:
a joint body having an external thread portion formed on an outer circumference thereof;
a union nut having an internal thread portion formed on an inner circumference thereof and to be tightened to the external thread portion; and
the inner ring according to claim 4.
US17/916,306 2020-06-09 2021-03-09 Inner ring and pipe joint Active 2041-04-07 US12025244B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020100307A JP7349409B2 (en) 2020-06-09 2020-06-09 Inner ring and pipe fitting
JP2020-100307 2020-06-09
PCT/JP2021/009203 WO2021250958A1 (en) 2020-06-09 2021-03-09 Inner ring and pipe joint

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20230151911A1 US20230151911A1 (en) 2023-05-18
US12025244B2 true US12025244B2 (en) 2024-07-02

Family

ID=78845497

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US17/916,306 Active 2041-04-07 US12025244B2 (en) 2020-06-09 2021-03-09 Inner ring and pipe joint

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US12025244B2 (en)
JP (1) JP7349409B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20230022291A (en)
CN (1) CN115769009A (en)
DE (1) DE112021003178T5 (en)
WO (1) WO2021250958A1 (en)

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5996636A (en) * 1997-01-24 1999-12-07 Smc Kabushiki Kaisha Tube joint
WO2000028254A1 (en) 1998-11-05 2000-05-18 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin pipe joint
US6513839B2 (en) * 1999-03-29 2003-02-04 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe joint made of resin
JP2013100874A (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-23 Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd Inner ring
US20160061361A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe connecting device
US20160061357A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe connecting device
US20160061360A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Inner ring
US20160116096A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-04-28 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe joint made of synthetic resin
JP2018168947A (en) 2017-03-30 2018-11-01 日本ピラー工業株式会社 Resin pipe joint
US10190708B2 (en) * 2014-09-30 2019-01-29 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin-made pipe joint
US10436364B2 (en) * 2015-02-13 2019-10-08 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Structure of resin-made pipe joint
US10571060B2 (en) * 2015-01-23 2020-02-25 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Structure of resin-made pipe joint
JP2020085204A (en) * 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 日本ピラー工業株式会社 Sleeve and joint including the same

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5996636A (en) * 1997-01-24 1999-12-07 Smc Kabushiki Kaisha Tube joint
WO2000028254A1 (en) 1998-11-05 2000-05-18 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin pipe joint
US6896299B1 (en) 1998-11-05 2005-05-24 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin pipe joint
US6513839B2 (en) * 1999-03-29 2003-02-04 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe joint made of resin
JP2013100874A (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-23 Nippon Pillar Packing Co Ltd Inner ring
US20160061357A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe connecting device
US20160061361A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe connecting device
US20160061360A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-03-03 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Inner ring
US20160116096A1 (en) * 2013-05-08 2016-04-28 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Pipe joint made of synthetic resin
US10190708B2 (en) * 2014-09-30 2019-01-29 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin-made pipe joint
US10571060B2 (en) * 2015-01-23 2020-02-25 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Structure of resin-made pipe joint
US10436364B2 (en) * 2015-02-13 2019-10-08 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Structure of resin-made pipe joint
JP2018168947A (en) 2017-03-30 2018-11-01 日本ピラー工業株式会社 Resin pipe joint
US20190331272A1 (en) 2017-03-30 2019-10-31 Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd. Resin tube fitting
JP2020085204A (en) * 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 日本ピラー工業株式会社 Sleeve and joint including the same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
International Search Report PCT/JP2021/009203 dated Apr. 27, 2021 (pp. 1-2).

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20230151911A1 (en) 2023-05-18
DE112021003178T5 (en) 2023-06-29
CN115769009A (en) 2023-03-07
JP7349409B2 (en) 2023-09-22
KR20230022291A (en) 2023-02-14
WO2021250958A1 (en) 2021-12-16
JP2021195959A (en) 2021-12-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6805045B2 (en) Resin fittings
JP5871855B2 (en) Inner ring
JPH11218272A (en) Pipe joint made of resin
US20230349492A1 (en) Gasket and flow passage joint structure
US20230148383A1 (en) Seal member
US12031645B2 (en) Sealing member and pipe joint
US12025244B2 (en) Inner ring and pipe joint
US20230175621A1 (en) Inner ring and pipe joint
KR102669499B1 (en) Sleeves and seams incorporating them
US20240044425A1 (en) Pipe joint
WO2021095366A1 (en) Pipe fitting
JP2021038853A (en) Resin-made pipe joint
JP2020098005A (en) Pipe joint

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD., JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TESHIMA, KAZUKIYO;HIGUCHI, SHINGO;KUROSAKI, AYUMI;SIGNING DATES FROM 20220831 TO 20220905;REEL/FRAME:061273/0431

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS

ZAAB Notice of allowance mailed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: MN/=.

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE